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El Mago De Las Fritas in West Miami, Florida

El Mago De Las Fritas is located on 8th street in Miami. It’s not the only frita place on 8th street though. Approximately 10 years ago on my way home from my parent’s house I came across El Mago De Las Fritas . The first few times I attempted to stop here, there were no parking spaces available (there are only 3 spots). One day I was finally able to find a parking space and taste their Frita. I regret not having made the effort to find parking sooner elsewhere.

Order 10 Fritas & Get One Free

El Mago making a wisecrack to me

Do not park in one of the 3 reserved spots unless of course you are eating there. If you do, you might witness El Mago (yes, the owner is really referred to as this, it means “Magician”) going outside and screaming at them to move their cars with spatula in hand. He’s too awesome. You must of course order the Frita.

Frita Original

A Frita or Cuban Hamburger is usually a combination of ground Beef, Chorizo and spices topped with Onions, homemade Julienne Potatoes, and Ketchup (not always) on a Cuban Bread Roll. El Mago claims there is no Chorizo in his frita but I don’t believe him. The Frita has a very distinct flavor and will cause a flavor explosion in your mouth. There is no burger that tastes anything like this. And don’t get your Frita with cheese, unless you want to look like a tourist.

Frita Original con Queso (with Cheese)

I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you the Frita with cheese is good but nothing beats the original. You can also order a Frita Doble (double meat) or Frita a Caballo (with a fried egg).

Frita a Caballo (topped with Fried Egg)

They’re all delicious. You must also make sure to order the fries at El Mago de las Fritas, there’s something very high school about them.

On Saturdays he makes Chicharrones (fried Pork Rinds) & Ajiaco (Beef & Veggie Stew). Remember that his homemade Flan is also great but don’t get ahead of yourself. Start with a Frita because this is the best Frita in town hands down!

About Burger Beast

I started writing the Burger Beast food blog to tell folks about those little forgotten gems in South Florida. Over the course of the last 5 years or so I've added News, Opinions, & Tips on a variety of Food related subjects. My first love will always be Burgers but Comfort Food is where it's at. At the end of the day I’m a regular dude who writes about a bunch of things I think you should know about.

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I have to comment on the BEST frita outside of Cuba.For the old cubans, they remember la Plaza del Vapor where a lot of food carts use to sell all kind of food.Their fritas were owesome. El Mago have those fritas.I used to have my auto parts next to him so I know. About the greasie and rough, that's the way to eat them, is nothing that a 400 degree heat couldn't kill. If you have a chance stop and get a frita from El Mago.

Anonymous

If you think that the fritas there are good, the pan con bistec will blow your mind. This steak sandwich topped with the same thin fries is awsome. I think it is even better than the fritas.

Joe @ Joe’s Burger Search

One (maybe two) Frita a Caballo please. How do you not eat this daily?

Joan Nova

I'll have the frita a caballo please.

Anonymous

Good evening

Definitely gonna recommend this post to a few friends

jcgti

If you guys think this frita is good you obviously haven't tried El Rey de Las Fritas which blows El Mago away!!! El Mago's fritas are ok but there's no comparison!

tonyfalcon

another place of note is Fritas Domino. it's on 8th street anbd 68th avenue. the last store on the shopping strip. it's a dive but DAMN those are some good fritas. they do al the regular ones, too.

Alberto Jara

Demasiado ricas……….Las quiero todas!!!!!

Robert

As a Jewish guy from Brooklyn, there are some things I just dont get. Once I took a non Jewish girlfriend to Rascal House, and as if in a Woody Allen movie she ordered a pastrami sandwhich on white bread with mayo. She simply could not get the rye bread concept.
I was very excited to go to this place as it is very close to where I work. I ordered the Frita with cheese and the pan con bistec. the thing is i dont get the bread? Why take a perfectly good bread and flatten and harden it? Its a cultural thing me thinks.
I thought it very good, as this was my first fritas i didnt know what to expect. worth having again, but i dont have a sentimental attachment.
The bistec, ultra salty, but good, also worth having again. The fries nothing special.
They are not open on sundays, so my chances of getting the chicarhones are nil.

Not bad, but i t hink i lack the cultural attachement to find this place amazing.

http://www.facebook.com/burgerbeast Burger Beast

The Chicharrones are Saturday though.

Robert

Sadly, I will never work on a Saturday. I will never have a chiccarones